Harry Kane has described England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina as “as big as it gets” but insists the Three Lions cannot allow themselves to be distracted by the history and emotion surrounding one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
England will face the reigning world champions on Wednesday for a place in the World Cup final, with Thomas Tuchel’s side aiming to reach a third major tournament final in four attempts and move within one victory of ending their 60-year wait for World Cup glory.
“I mean, what a game, what an occasion to play one of the best teams, the reigning world champions, in a semifinal of a World Cup,” Kane told ITV.
“In these moments, I think back to being a kid and having dreams and what it’d be like to play in these games.
“This is as big as it gets, so I’m really excited for this week. I think it’s going to be a special game and what a tough team to play against but hopefully that brings the best out in us.”
The meeting will be the first World Cup knockout clash between the nations since their infamous encounters in 1986 and 1998, matches forever associated with Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal and David Beckham’s red card in Saint-Etienne.
Falklands War dominates headlines
The wider political backdrop of the Falklands conflict and the continuing dispute over sovereignty of the islands has only added to the scrutiny of the match.
However, Kane says England’s players must focus solely on the football.
“Yeah and no. I think it’s not something you want to focus too much on, surrounding the history,” the captain said when asked if discipline would be particularly important.
“Yeah, that’s all part of it and that’s what you guys [in the media] will talk about, the fans will be involved in.
“But from a player’s point of view it’s us against a great team, who are smart, who are tactical, who know how to buy fouls, know how to slow the game down. Like many different teams you come up against throughout your whole career.”
“So, it’s England versus Argentina, it’s two of the biggest nations going toe to toe. Two giants in the semifinal of a World Cup. The rest of it is just a small part.
“For us, we have a focus, we have a preparation that we do in every moment, in every game and this game is no different.
“The most important thing is that we back ourselves to be successful on this stage.”
